On The Best Thing I Ever Ate in the Bay Area

This post is dedicated to Ellie :)

These are some of the best things I have ever eaten around the Bay Area and I suggest you try them.

The Single Best Thing I Ever Ate
Lamb and Beef Gyro
SIMPLY GREEK
4060 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA 94611
(Other location in Pleasanton)

This gyro tastes like a little bit of heaven- extremely well seasoned beef and lamb that melts in your mouth wrapped up in a wonderful gyro/pita bread that can only be described as perfect. Comes with fresh tomato, onion, and an awesome tzatziki (yogurt) sauce. If you are in the area, you have to stop by and try this- you'll thank me later. Note that you might want another one after you finish your first. It's only $6.25!!!

The Best Gourmet Sandwich I Ever Ate
The Wrangler
BONNE SANTE
1184 Broadway
Burlingame, CA 94010

This sandwich takes burgers to a whole new level- juicy, flavorful beef paired with smoked bacon and onion rings. It also has Bonne Sante's amazing sun dried tomato spread and is served on dutch crunch. If you're looking to keep your hands clean, man up and use a napkin because this sandwich is more than worth it. The sandwich is quite large and can easily feed two. It costs around $8.
Also, try the Rattler (smoked turkey, gouda, caramalized onions, bbq sauce) or the Hottie (buffalo chicken)- add a side of fries for only a dollar.

The Best Deli Sandwich I Ever Ate
Lucca's Ultimate Club
LITTLE LUCCA SPECIALTY SANDWICH SHOP
1809 El Camino Real
Burlingame, CA 94010

This is the perfect deli sandwich- turkey, ham, bacon and cheese (I prefer provolone) served with mayo, mustard, pickles, red onion, tomato, lettuce, hot pepper sauce, and the original garlic sauce (this is a must) on dutch crunch. This $7.25 sandwich is the best deli sandwich I've ever had and is very reasonably priced- easily feeds two.

Also, try the BHS Panther
MR. PICKLES SANDWICH SHOP
405 Broadway
Millbrae, CA 94030

Wonderful sandwich with shredded chicken breast, bacon, avocado, and jack cheese on a sourdough roll for $7.99.

The Best Breakfast I Ever Ate
New Orleans Benediction
CREPEVINE
1310 Burlingame Avenue
Burlingame, CA 94010
(Other locations include Berkeley, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Santa Rosa- it's a chain, I know, but still amazing)

There isn't anything I would rather eat in the morning than this perfectly balanced plate comprised of two perfectly poached eggs covered in a flavorful hollandaise, sitting on tasty crabcakes over a toasted english muffin- served with well seasoned homefries. I couldn't imagine a better meal to start my day. It'll cost you $9.50, but this quality food is worth every cent.

Also, try the Italian Omelet
NINI'S COFFEE SHOP
1000 N Idaho St
San Mateo, CA 94401

The Best Sushi Buffet I Ever Ate
KOME SUSHI BUFFET
1901 Junipero Serra Blvd Ste A
Daly City, CA 94014

Generous portions of various raw fish, handrolls made to order, and almost every roll you could ever imagine all for $11.95. Did I mention that they also have hot food? Fried foods- tempura (shrimp and vegetables), chicken wings, calamari, and shrimp. They also have teriyaki chicken, roasted duck, potstickers, and soups. They serve some dim sum and various desserts including ice cream. Can't beat it- also, there is a free parking structure right next door.

Also, try the Lunch Sushi Buffet ($12.95)
MASU
79 East 3rd Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94401

The Best Happy Hour I Ever Ate (& Drank)
ELEPHANT BAR
1600 Old Bayshore Highway
Burlingame, CA 94010
(Other locations include Fremont, Cupertino, and Daly City, as well as SoCal and other states- again a chain, but it's so worth it)

Beers and Cocktails range between $2-5 and food ranges between $3-6. Food includes sweet potato fries, lettuce wraps with chicken and shrimp, burgers, artichoke dip, quesadillas, and bruschetta. High quality food at low prices. Everything I've ordered has been great- you can't go wrong. It's a steal.

The Best Burrito I Ever Ate
Super Burrito with Grilled Chicken
CHARLIE'S TAQUERIA
725 South B Street
San Mateo, CA 94401

There is something special about this burrito that I just can't put my finger on- all of its components (rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, hot sauce) merry so well with the perfectly grilled chicken. It's amazing. Self-serve chips and salsa bar (try the pico de gallo). If you eat at the restaurant, try the burrito wet- they pour this nice tomato based sauce on it and gives it a lot of flavor. It's only $5.75 and it's huge.
Also, try the Super Burrito with Carnitas or Carne Asada.

The Best Ice Cream Sundae I Ever Ate
Create Your Own
FENTONS CREAMERY
4226 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA 94611

This sundae is best shared because it's a lot of ice cream, but it's up to you. I prefer the flavors Swiss Milk Chocolate (this is almost a must because it's so incredible), Pistachio, and Heath Bar Crunch. Top it with caramel sauce, hot fudge, almonds, whipped cream, and a cherry. This will absolutely be the best sundae you will ever eat.

The Best Bento Boxes I Ever Ate
Bento Box
NI-MO
73 E 3rd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401

Great, quality food for $13.95. Includes: California Roll (3), Kappa Maki (3), Tekka Maki (3), Tempura Roll (3), Chicken Teriyaki or Mixed Tempura, white rice, and small salad.

Combination Dinner with Tempura & Chicken Teriyaki
HOTARU
33 E. 3rd Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401

Served with Miso soup, white rice, and small salad.

The Best (Americanized) Chinese Food I Ever Ate
HOT WOK BISTRO
1012A Howard Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401

Lunch Specials served with Hot and Sour Soup and either White or Fried Rice ($7-9):

Mongolian Beef
Orange Sesame Chicken
Dry Braised Beef
Honey Walnut Shrimp

The Best Chinese Food I Ever Ate
CHINA FIRST
336 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA 94118

Everything here is authentic and well priced. I strongly recommend eating at this restaurant.

The Best Pad Thai I Ever Ate
Legendary Pad Thai
COCONUT BAY
1300 Howard Ave.
Burlingame, CA 94010

Chicken, beef, pork or prawns stir-fried with a thin rice noodle and bean curd served with a ground peanut and bean sprouts ($6.95- add $1 for prawns)

The Best Thai Curry I Ever Ate
Rice with Yellow Curry Lunch Special
COCONUT BAY
1300 Howard Ave.
Burlingame, CA 94010

Choice of chicken, beef, pork or vegetable in mild curry with coconut milk, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Served with soup, vegetable egg rolls, salad, and white rice ($7.95)